Wilson, Richard (1713 or 1714-1782), was one of the greatest and most influential masters of British landscape painting. Wilson elevated landscape painting in British art to a genre that could express ideas and emotions. Previous British artists painted landscapes that were basically realistic scenic views. Wilson was also a fine portrait painter. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768.
Wilson was born in Penegoes Rectory, Powys, Wales. After moving to London in 1729, Wilson first specialized in portrait painting. The decisive change in Wilson’s style came during a visit to Italy from 1750 to 1757. In Italy, Wilson came under the influence the French landscape artist Claude, who lived and painted in Rome from 1627 until his death in 1682. Like Claude, Wilson painted vistas of the Italian countryside, often with ruins, sculpture, or human figures in the foreground. After returning to England, Wilson adapted his style to landscape subjects in his own country. Examples of his English landscapes include Holt Bridge on the River Dee (about 1762), Pembroke Town and Castle (about 1766), and View near Wynnstay (1771). Wilson died on May 11, 1782.
